Judge Sentences 11-Time Felon to 68 Years for Red Line Shooting
A judge has handed down a long prison sentence to Pierre Garrett, an 11-time convicted felon, for shooting a man during a robbery on the Red Line. The incident took place at 69th Street on July 8, 2022.
Surveillance video from the CTA captured Garrett displaying a gun and confronting the victim around 5:46 p.m. According to officials, Garrett ordered the man to “Give me everything.”
During the altercation, the victim managed to slash Garrett in the face with a knife. In response, Garrett shot the man once in each shoulder. Despite his injuries, the victim fought back and was able to reclaim his phone and backpack from Garrett.
After the shooting, a witness followed Garrett and alerted the police, leading to his arrest. Officers found Garrett lying in a gangway with a significant cut on his face.
In December 2023, a jury convicted Garrett on charges including discharging a firearm during an armed robbery, armed habitual criminal, and aggravated battery by discharging a firearm. However, sentencing was delayed until this week.
Judge Charles Burns sentenced Garrett to 15 years for the robbery, with an additional 25-year enhancement for personally shooting the victim. He received 28 years for aggravated battery, and the armed habitual criminal charge was merged into the other sentences. The judge ordered the sentences to be served consecutively.
Garrett’s criminal history includes convictions for fleeing and eluding in 2019 and 2013, robbery in 2017 and twice in 2005, and retail theft in 2010 and 2016. In 2020, he was sentenced to seven years for driving while intoxicated and causing injury in Missouri, but the sentence was suspended in favor of five years of probation.
Garrett’s lengthy prison term serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of repeat criminal behavior and the impact it has on victims and communities.
